Remove ✏️ to specify other packages to install

[cwebster-99]

The current flow to install packages that are not in the Common Packages list is via the ✏️and adding a package manually.

The pencil isn't very obvious and the user action to scroll to the end of the list and type new packages isn't ideal. Can we remove this functionality in favor or some tip to install via CLI or until we can find a better flow to support this via the UI

[karthiknadig]

Could ✏️ be an option to just enter extra packages? no list of installed packages thing.

[DonJayamanne]

How about displaying a list of all of the packages with check boxes and allowing users to add more pacakges
(we can add the icons/button at the bottom as per screenshot or even add it in the toolbar, similar to how we have + for create new env)

FYI: This is an example (we don't need to indent the packages)

[cwebster-99]

@DonJayamanne we currently show a list of "common packages" which includes currently installed packages with checkboxes next to them. This list is quite long so providing an option at the bottom to add more probably wouldn't be very discoverable.

I like the idea of changing the pencil icon to a + icon and then allowing users to input the package name manually without showing the list of packages that are already installed. In the text box the prompt can be something like "List additional packages you would like to install" or something like that.

[eleanorjboyd]

so for a final decision we want to go for is below? Or do people have ideas / edits

• move to using a + icon from a pencil icon
• only providing a manual text entry box and not a dropdown where the prompt for the text box is "List additional packages to install"

[cwebster-99]

Correct on adjusting the icon. For the second bullet, I suggest to keep the package drop down we have but change what is shown after clicking the pencil icon

We shouldn't include the list of packages that are already installed and just provide a way for users to add additional packages to install. Although we should make sure that this doesn't uninstall the packages that are already present in the environment.

[eleanorjboyd]

thank you for clarifying- I understand now - will do!

[aiday-mar]

Not sure if I am testing correctly. When I enter into a Python environment, I see the following. There is a magnifying glass symbol to add a package. I was wondering if this is what I am supposed to see?

[eleanorjboyd]

which extension is this? I think you mgith have a different one (maybe Don's old one) can you confirm it is the "python environments extension" published by Microsoft?